Nowe Miasto Lubawskie: Medieval Traces and the Drwęca Valley

Town Walls, Gate Towers and Market Square

Construction of the town walls began in the 1330s. The surviving fragments include the Gothic Brodnicka and Lubawska gate towers. Despite later alterations, the Lubawska Gate Tower retains original loopholes and distinctive bay windows. Medieval defensive architecture can therefore be seen not only in the course of the walls but also in individual surviving structural elements. The urban ensemble of Nowe Miasto Lubawskie was entered in the register of monuments in 1957. The historic market square also retains the character of a bygone era.

The historic cemetery includes tombstones, a neoclassical mortuary chapel with adjoining grave chapels, and a cemetery gate. These features add another dimension to the architectural history: the local cultural landscape. Visitors exploring the town will find several themes side by side: fortifications, religious architecture and historic cemetery forms.

The Basilica of St. Thomas the Apostle

Construction of the medieval Church of St. Thomas the Apostle began around 1300. Its main nave contains a Gothic wall painting from the second half of the 15th century depicting Christ crucified. The interior is adorned with several 17th- and 18th-century altars, as well as a late Renaissance choir and an organ from the early 17th century. Smaller architectural details also catch the eye: the vault corbels in the vestibule are shaped like human heads with demonic grimaces. Together, these structural and decorative features show how different periods are represented in the basilica.

Museum and Cultural Venues

Since 1959, the Muzeum Ziemi Lubawskiej has been housed in Baszta Brodnicka, also known as Baszta Kurzętnicka. The tower was converted into a town archive in the 19th century. The museum collections illustrate the history and daily life of the region’s inhabitants over several centuries. If you plan to visit the museum, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

The former Protestant church building on the market square serves as Kinoteatr Harmonia and as a tourist information office. Kinoteatr Harmonia has 197 seats and can accommodate up to 300 people for cultural events and concerts. If you plan to use the information office, check its current visitor services before your trip.

Cycling and Walking Routes for Different Day Plans

The family cycling route starts in the market square by the tourist information office in the former Protestant church building. It follows Kościelna, Działyńskich and Tysiąclecia Streets. The 13 km TO-2215 walking trail connects Nowe Miasto Lubawskie with the yellow trail in the Drwęca Valley. It starts near the former railway station and runs through Nawra, Nowy Dwór Bratiański and Chrośle to Radomno. This gives you two different route options: a cycling route along named streets and a walking trail with a stated length and several stops along the way.

The Camino de Santiago also passes through Nowe Miasto Lubawskie and continues through the Drwęca Valley, forests and along the shores of the lakes of Warmia and Masuria. Another cycling route is 12.8 km long and runs between Kurzętnik and Nowe Miasto Lubawskie through the Drwęca Valley, which is protected as part of the Natura 2000 network. When choosing accommodation, these different routes and starting points may be relevant to planning your outings. Check the current route before setting off.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kuligi, Ostaszewo, Grodziczno, Kurzętnik.

Go to the main travel overview: Nowomiejski.